Exotic Pets

Many
people appreciate the mystic and beauty of exotic animals such as
reptiles, amphibians, birds or mammals of non-native species or
individuals of native species that have been raised in captivity. They
succumb to the temptation of purchasing critters, reptiles, amphibians
and other exotic animals, often on impulse. Too often little thought is
put into the care and commitment necessary to properly provide for these
animals. Parents frequently purchase the animals as learning aids or
entertainment for their children who are far too young to be responsible
for an intelligent, emotional, living being.

Most critters,
reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals are mass produced by the pet
trade...just like puppies from puppy mills. They are viewed by the pet
trade businesses as money making objects. Profit is placed above their
welfare. They are denied veterinary care, exercise and socialization.
Many are captured from the wild and transported long distances. They are
packed into crates and trucked or flown hundreds of miles to brokers
and pet stores...often suffering or dieing in the process.

Life in captivity for these animals often leads to neglect, pain, emotional distress and death. Many suffer from malnutrition, unnatural and uncomfortable environments and extreme stress from confinement. While they may look cute and cuddly, wild animals are wild and have very special husbandry requirements. The stress of captivity, improper diets, and unnatural breeding practices to pump out “products” takes its tole on these fragile animals. Trauma and injuries are common, and they are tossed aside when their novelty fades.

Pet shops treat animals as if they are no different than pet supplies or bags of animal food. They have no standards for whom they peddle the animals to. Internet businesses ship live animals to anyone with a credit card.Although some of us may treat our companion animals well, many are treated poorly and neglected. Most spend only a short time in a home before they are dumped at a pound, given away or released into the wild. Selling these animals denies homes to millions of homeless and unwanted animals who await adoption in animal shelters.

If you have the time, resources and compassion to make a home for a critter, reptile, amphibian or exotic animal, adopt rather than supporting the inhumane pet trade industry. Like dogs and cats, millions of mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, reptiles, exotic animals and "pocket" pets are available through humane societies, shelters and rescue groups each year.